I spotted this “coming soon” sign today in the window of the vacant space right next door to Bookseller on Mill Street in Grass Valley.

This happy proximity of books and good food reminds me of the sadly now defunct Thunderbird Bookstore and Cafe in the Barnyard shopping center in Carmel.

One of the highlights of our yearly trek to Carmel (after our honeymoon there 45 years ago) was always a happy hour or two browsing in the Thunderbird bookshop then sitting in the attached Thunderbird Cafe and reading our new books while eating soup and freshly-baked bread. I probably still have some books on my bookshelves with Thunderbird soup stains. I treasure those stains (which could never be preserved on a Kindle!).

Karma Coffee, scheduled to open June 15th,  promises coffee and smoothies, as well as “treats.”

Hopefully these neighboring businesses will provide a mutual synergy.